It is the ability to legally enter into a contractual agreement (to make a contract.) Most able-minded adults have legal capacity. Children under the age of majority (between 15 and 18 depending on your state) or people with a mental impairment do not have legal capacity. When I say mental impairment I mean permanent (i.e.- retardation, or Alzheimer's) OR temporary (i.e.- alcohol or nacotic intoxication).
Illegal
The legal ability to enter into a contractual relationship.
the legal power to give consent
Dementia
indicate the legal power to give consent
ex parte
res ipso loquitor
The word capacity is subject to different meanings, but in the legal sense, it refers to the ability to make a rational decision based upon all relevant facts and considerations. In criminal law, the defendant must have the capacity to understand the wrongfulness of his or her actions. In making a will, the maker of the will must have what is known as "testamentary capacity," meaning that they must understand the nature of making a will, have a general idea of what he/she possesses, and know who the members of their immediate family, or the intended recepients of their estate, are.. The legal capacity to make contracts may be lacking in the case of minors or mentally disadvantaged persons. A contract signed by a person lacking legal capacity may be void.
Mens rea
No. The term "civil union" has no legal meaning under Virginia state law.
The legal term "without prejudice" means that any statements or offers made during a negotiation or discussion cannot be used against the party making them in future legal proceedings.
Normocephalic is an average cranium, where microcephalic means small skull.